publications > focal point > winter 2009

Focal Point

Winter 2009 Issue: "Stigmatization"

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Focal Point: Research, Policy, and Practice in Children's Mental Health: Stigmatization. 23(1), Winter 2009 (ENTIRE ISSUE).
Walker, J. S., Gowen, L. K., & Aue, N. (Eds.)

Stigmatization can result in exclusion of and discrimination against the stigmatized individual. This issue of Focal Point provides state-of-the-art information about stigmatization, its causes and consequences, and strategies and programs for alleviating it. Download PDF

Stigmatization.
Gowen, L. K., & Walker, J. S.

Not much is understood about the sources, effects, and impact of the stigmatization of young persons. This introduction reports on the results of two web-based surveys--one for youth and one for caregivers--which captured experiences of stigmatization. Download PDF

Parent/Professional Thoughts About the Use of the Term "Seriously Emotionally Disturbed".
Rice, T.

This brief article outlines parents' and professionals' suggested alternatives to the term "Seriously Emotionally Disturbed" for describing a child who experiences serious emotional and/or behavioral difficulties. Download PDF

What Do American Adults Think of Children's Mental Health Problems? Findings and Lessons From the First National Study.
Pescosolido, B. A., & Martin, J. K.

Because families' healthcare-related decisions are informed by the advice of friends, teachers, neighbors, and others, it is important to understand how the general public views mental health conditions. This article discusses research on the public's attitudes toward children with mental health conditions. Download PDF

Young People's Stigmatization of Peers With Depression and ADHD.
Walker, J. S.

An important first step to reducing the stigmatization of children and adolescents with mental health conditions is to understand the thought processes that lead to stigmatization. This article describes findings from a survey focused on young people's beliefs about their peers who have ADHD and depression. Download PDF

Stigma vs. Stigmatization.
Walker, J. S.

This note from the editor of Focal Point asks readers to consider whether the word "stigma" or "stigmatization" is more appropriate for describing the prejudice experienced by many people with mental health conditions. Download PDF

My Experiences With Stigma, Self-Worth, and Roles.
McWade, M.

Matthew, a peer mentor, discusses how his experiences providing peer support transformed his sense of self. Download PDF

A Young Adult Discussion on Stigma Had By the Massachusetts DMH Statewide Youth Advisory Council.
McWade, M.

This article relays young people's first-person accounts of stigmatization and how they dealt with its effects. Download PDF

The Family Acceptance Project: Understanding the Experiences of LGBT Youth.
Ryan, C.

This article explores how families' responses to discovering their child is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender affect the child's self-esteem, behavior and mental health. Download PDF

Addressing the Stigmatization of Mental Illness Experienced by Children.
Rafacz, J. D., O'Shaughnessy, J. & Corrigan, P. W.

This article describes the research on efforts to reduce stigmatization of people with mental health conditions. Most of this research has involved adults; however the research base can be used to inform efforts to reduce the stigmatization towards adolescents and children. Download PDF

STARS: Youth-Driven Mental Health Stigmatization Reduction Campaigns in Schools.
Quartly, S.

This article explains how the System Transformation of Area Resources and Services (STARS) project works, gives specific examples of STARS-funded and student-created mental health stigmatization reduction campaigns, and discusses program evaluation efforts. Download PDF

Stigma and the Cycle of Avoidance: Why Young People Fail to Seek Help for Their Mental Distress.
Biddle, L., & Gowen, L. K.

The research discussed in this article reveals that, in addition to financial and other barriers to care, youth with mental health disorders may not seek help because of the shame they experience from the public's stigmatization of their conditions. Download PDF

Breaking the Silence: Parents' Experiences of Courtesy Stigmatization in the Workplace.
Rosenzweig, J. M., Brennan, E. M., & Malsch, A. M.

This article discusses how parents deal with courtesy stigmatization at work. It also includes information about what employers can do--and are doing--to increase awareness about and supports for employees who have children with mental health disorders. Download PDF

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2009 Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon.

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